What is PTS

PTSD is described by the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress as being "an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you.

During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening.” Anyone who has been through a traumatic or life-threatening event can develop PTS. These events can include natural disasters, car accidents, terrorist attacks, physical assaults, abuse, rape and many other types of events.

Some common symptoms associated with PTS include reliving the event over and over, nightmares, avoiding thoughts or people associated with the traumatic event, numbing, feeling keyed up, difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, a feeling of detachment, irritability, difficulty concentrating, an exaggerated startle response, headaches, and chronic pain.